A journey of hard work and reward in the UFC

Trey Ogden’s approach to MMA is unique and has earned him acclaim as the head coach of Marathon MMA, along with 17 professional wins and two wins in the UFC. His mindset for making weight exemplifies his distinct perspective on the sport.

“There’s something beautiful about overcoming suffering,” says Ogden, who successfully made it to 156 pounds for his upcoming bout against Loik Radzhabov. He compares the process to a soldier’s march into battle, drawing parallels to Roman and medieval soldiers who endured hardships before they even reached the battlefield.

Ogden’s vision of the Octagon as a battlefield is a testament to his dedication and intellectual approach to the sport. He recalls the endurance required during his marathon in Des Moines, where he had to break through immense physical and mental barriers.

Ogden’s admiration for the ancient Greek runner Pheidippides, who ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver a message of victory and died after completing his mission, reflects his respect for extreme endurance and dedication. “What a barbarian,” says Ogden, appreciating the Athenian’s effort.

For Ogden, weight loss and training are forms of voluntary, spiritual suffering that build mental resilience and composure. He embraces these challenges and instills this mindset in his students and fighters.

Ogden recently coached two fighters, Miles Johns and Garrett Armfield, to impressive performances at the UFC APEX. He analyzes their fights closely, displaying his analytical mind. However, Ogden balances his intellectual approach with instinctive fighting, keeping his reactions well-trained and his Fight IQ sharp.

In the gym and during fight week, Ogden endures physical and mental suffering to achieve his goals. He quotes David Goggins and says, “Getting worn out is the price you pay for being tough.”

Watch UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba live from UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Preliminary bouts begin at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT, while the main bout airs on ESPN & ESPN+ at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.